Evaluation of hardening behaviour of ion irradiated reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels by an ultra-micro-indentation technique

The evaluation of the temperature dependence of irradiation hardening in a reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel (RAFs), F82H (Fe–8Cr–2W–V–Ta) and Ni-doped (1%, 2%) F82H, was performed using single/dual-beam ion irradiation and ultra-micro-indentation technique. In analyzing the load–displacement curve, it was assumed that the elastic modulus did not exceed the original value due to irradiation-induced damage because micro-hardness was defined as a function of composite elastic modulus. Secondly, micro-structural evolution was characterized for irradiation conditions where significant changes in micro-hardness in RAFs were found. Finally, based on these results, the plastic deformation behavior of F82H steels with the irradiation hardening was investigated.